Thursday, July 31, 2008

Here's my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd (and Matt Dwyer) Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM on Little Radio (click on tune in on the upper left side). Tomorrow their guest will be comedian Matt Braunger. You can catch Braunger's comedy show around town, including an appearance at the Upright Citizens Brigade with Janeane Garofalo (and Tim and Eric) on August 9th. That's show's only $8.

Each week on the show, they feature an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for tomorrow's show is the Millennium's "It's You" which comes from the band's only official release, Begin. The Millennium was a late 1960s psychedelic pop band formed by Curt Boettcher. Boettcher was previously in another band called, the GoldeBriars, but was better known for producing hits by Tommy Roe as well as the Association's first album. With the help of his friend, producer Gary Usher, Boettcher was signed to Columbia Records, and gathered friends and session musicians to form the Millennium.

Begin is a critically revered album; if you do a little investigating, you'll read some incredibly hyperbolic stuff. I picked up the vinyl reissue a few years back after reading one of those glowing reviews (I was also intrigued by the Gary Usher connection - Usher produced a couple of my favorite Byrds' records as well as co-writing the Beach Boys' "In My Room").

After reading all that stuff, my expectation were sky high. I'm not a huge fan of really light 60's pop and when I first put it on, some of the production and arrangements sounded dated. But then I put it away for a while, put it back on with fresh ears, and realized that all the songs have their charm and a handful (including "It's You") are pretty fantastic. Begin was never a commercial success, but "It's You" was the album's closest thing to a hit. Written by Michael Fennelly and Joey Stec (the duo wrote a couple of the other great tracks too), the song features some great guitar work and psychedelic production. Fennelly went on to form Crabby Appleton (who I need to check out) and Joey Stec released a critically acclaimed solo record in 1976 (which is also on my list).

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

I’m giving away two pairs of tickets for the Boris show this Sunday night at the Echoplex. Opening the show is Torche and Lair of the Minotaur. It promises to be a night of seriously heavy riffs. Torche’s new record is called Meanderthal (which is pretty great) and Lair of the Minotaur has a great band name and (just to pick one) a song on their new album called, “Black Viper Barbarian Clan.” Boris is from Japan and has been around since the early 1990s. Their new record has a song called “My Neighbor Satan.” Here’s a pretty good quote from the All Music Guide: “They are still heavier than God fronting Blue Cheer, but they don't forget that songs usually contain recognizable melodies.”

To win these tickets send me an email [dukeufo at hotmail] with your favorite metal band name of all time (doesn’t have to be your favorite band, just your favorite name). Please put Boris in the subject line. The contest closes Friday at Noon.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Not a great week in new music, but I do want to pick up the Neil Halstead...

Records Released on 7/29/08

Records I’ve Heard:

James Jackson Toth: Waiting in Vain (Rykodisc) – He was the leader of Wooden Wand & the Vanishing Voice. His first solo record features Nels Cline, Carla Bozulich as well as members of Vetiver and Deerhoof. It’s less freak folk and more straight ahead singer-songwriter, but there are some interesting songs on here.Download “Doreen” and “Look In On Me” and “Beulah the Good”

Wild Sweet Orange: We Have Cause to Be Uneasy (Canvasback) – They’re playing Lollapalooza this weekend and getting ready to tour with What Made Milwaukee Famous.

On My Shopping List:Neil Halstead: Oh! Mighty Engine (Brushfire) – I’ve been a fan all the way back to Slowdive and including Mojave 3. What I’ve heard of this one sounds similar to his last solo record. They’re just good, acoustic songs with occasional pedal steel thrown in. Very pleasant, unassuming stuff. At the Hotel Café on 8/28/08.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:George Carlin – his final comedy album, the HBO special was goodAlice Cooper – At the Wiltern on 9/4/08Steve Cropper and Felix CavaliereMatt Pryor – the frontman for the Get-Up Kids and New Amsterdams. At the Troubadour on 8/16/08.Scars on BroadwaySonic Youth live EP – structured improve piece with Mats Gustaffson and a member of MerzbowTakka Takka – (mp3)U2 box set – each of the band’s first three albums is expanded to two discsThe Walkmen – digitally through Amie Street for $5, CD to follow; At the Troubadour on 8/21/08 & 8/22/08Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot vinyl reissue (and I own two copies of the old edition, d’oh)Andre Williams & the New Orleans Hellhounds (mp3 and mp3)

I've got two pairs of tickets to give away for the Jay Reatard show this Wednesday night at the Echo. Opening the show is Cheap Time, who I'm very curious to check out. Matador Records is about to release the fifth (in a series of six) of Jay's limited edition 7" singles. Number five has Jay covering Deerhunter, with Deerhunter returning the favor on the backside. Both bands play hook-filled rock 'n' roll along the lines of the Dickies, the Queers or maybe Redd Kross. And both released records on the local label, In the Red.

To win these tickets email me [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite punk band. Please put Reatard in the subject line. The contest closes Wednesday at Noon.

Wednesday 7/30/08[Recommended] Jay Reatard / Cheap Time @ the Echo ($12) – I’ve got some tix to give away for this one. I’ll post details shortly. Jay Reatard’s a Memphis based punk able to write some catchy tunes. He recently signed with Matador and is in the middle of releasing six singles (currently on number four). Cheap Time’s from Nashville and also does fast, hook-heavy garage pop.[Recommended] Patton Oswalt @ Largo ($25) – Funny fella.Club NME: The Virgins / Friendly Fires / Hearts of Palm UK @ Spaceland ($10) – The Virgins are a New York band with some buzz. Friendly Fires are a UK band with a new album coming out August 1st. They’re in town with Bloc Party then sticking around for two more shows.The Hold Steady / The Loved Ones @ Avalon ($22) – Their shows are a raucous time.Chromeo / Peanut Butter Wolf @ the Fonda (Sold Out)White Lies @ the Echo ($12) – Early show at 7:30 PM. British band with some buzz behind them.Afghan Raiders / Old Gold / Victim Vision / Addiquit / Letron @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)Waz @ Hotel Café – EP Release showJames Taylor @ Greek Theatre ($45 - $85)TRVSDJ-AM / The Knux @ the Roxy ($20)Low End Theory Club @ Airliner ($10)Jon McLaughlin / Jason Reeves @ Troubadour ($15) - Reeves has some good Myspace buzz and recently signed to Warner Bros. He's got a new album coming out digitally on August 12th and co-wrote ten of the songs on Colbie Caillat's record.

Friday, July 25, 2008

When you sit in front of a computer all day, there’s downtime. Blogs wouldn’t be nearly as popular if there wasn’t so much downtime. This week, friends have pointed me towards a few blogs that really pissed them off. Since they’re LA music related, I’ll weigh in.

Today one angry friend pointed me to Pitchfork’s Dr. Dog review. When I clicked over, the first thing I noticed was the 5.5 rating. No surprise there. We All Belong (one of my favorite albums last year) received an identical rating and Easy Beat got a 4.4. I normally don’t notice bylines on Pitchfork because, in the rare event that I click on a review, I usually spend about three seconds with it. But I noticed this one was written by Ian Cohen, a local writer who I’ve met a few times and who generally seems like a good guy.

Since Cohen started contributing to the LA Weekly and Pitchfork I’ve noticed patterns in his writing. Cohen is so concerned with what other critics, bloggers and Pitchfork itself are saying about the records and bands he reviews, sometimes you wonder what he thinks. To him, bloggers are not critics, and he wants the reader to know that he is a critic. He regularly uses space that could be devoted to writing about music, to critique and offer writing advice to critics. In today’s review he chastises critics for using the term “Beatles-esque”. The writing often lacks clarity, and many of his reviews are so reference packed, I can’t figure out what his point is. Not everybody spends all their free time reading blogs and music critics.

Another pattern I’ve noticed in his writing is his affinity for insulting bands in his reviews that have nothing to do with the band or record he’s reviewing. He’s got a real boner for the Cold War Kids, but I’ve also seen him casually dis Jimmy Eat World, British Sea Power, Filter, Better Than Ezra and Bush in recent reviews. Way to show those hipsters what time it is.

The most problematic sentence in today’s review was: “Besides, far shittier bands have come along since that time with a similar sound and bigger sense of entitlement (file under: Kids, Cold War).” Ah, where to begin. First of all he’s calling Dr. Dog and Cold War Kids “shitty,” which is lazy and petty. And to say that the Cold War Kids and Dr. Dog sound similar, confuses me. I sincerely doubt most people think of the Beatles, the Band or Beach Boys when they listen to Cold War Kids, yet critics universally reference those bands when writing about Dr. Dog. The biggest similarity I see is that both bands occasionally incorporate Christian motifs into their music.

But the “sense of entitlement” knock might be the biggest sucker punch? If he’s trying to say that they’re not the type of bands that pander to critics and kiss Pitchfork’s ass, then I agree. Both bands seem like artists who are passionate about writing and performing music, not getting caught up in the machinations of the industry. Every time I’ve seen the Cold War Kids around town, they’ve always struck me as humble, normal guys. And you can’t get any more regular than the Dr. Dog guys.…

Let me finish by saying that I don’t think Fate’s as good as We All Belong. However, it’s got strong songs and will probably be a stepping stone to more great music from a relatively young band that’s in it for the long haul. There’s a reason other great bands take Dr. Dog on tour with them and frequently name check them in interviews. And I’m a lot more likely to consider the opinion of a musician I respect.

Incidentally, as I was writing this, I stumbled across this line by line response to Cohen’s review. Also, I don’t think Cohen’s writing is all bad, but I just felt like pointing out my observations….

The next article that really pissed people off was Pitchfork’s review of the Black Kids. For those who are too lazy to click, it’s a picture of a white and a black Pug with “sorry” and some emoticon written over it. When I initially saw it, the review didn’t register any response from me. I’d never heard the Black Kids (finally heard them on Letterman last night) and didn’t know anything about them. I figured it was just another cutesy review designed to stir up controversy and get bloggers blogging. Twodifferent writers at the LA Times weighed in on it. Ann Powers puts the review in perspective and makes some interesting points. It really is another smug, self-important expression (review would be too strong of a word).

And the article that really, really pissed people off was August Brown’s interview with Jay Babcock (check out the 138 comments). Babcock’s the guy who ran Arthur Magazine. Anyway, when you move away from home, the dumbest thing you can do is to tell your old hometown paper that the town you just left is a “psychic death hole.” He goes on to insult the LA Times, local radio stations and our restaurants. LA obviously has more than its share of problems (it is the second largest city in the country), but sour fucking grapes from a guy who just raised $20,000 in donations to save his so-called business. I’m sure some of it was taken out of context, but it doesn’t change the fact that he said it. He tried to backtrack by posting things he loves about LA, but I’m guessing when he decides he’s tired of Brooklyn, packs for Warsaw (or wherever disaffected, educated liberals move) and asks people for handouts, he’ll have a slightly harder time finding takers.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

This is my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd on Little Radio on Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM. Tomorrow their musical guests will be Les Blanks. Les Blanks is another one of those great local bands that we've all been ignoring for too long. Although Jax had some really positive things to say about their new album here.

Each week Sylvia and Todd feature an official You Set the Scene pick. Tomorrow my pick is Terry Reid's "Rich Kid Blues." Reid is probably best known as the guy who turned down Jimmy Page to become the new lead singer of the Yardbirds. Read a little rock 'n' roll history and you know that Reid recommended Robert Plant and this new version of the Yardbirds evolved into Led Zeppelin. And Led Zeppelin became one of the best hard rocking blues rock bands of all time.

So what's up with this Terry Reid fella? Well, he was still a teenager when he turned down Page. He had a powerful voice, played guitar, had a slot opening for the Stones and a recording deal. It doesn't sound so crazy after all. The future looked bright.

My first exposure to Reid was when I stumbled across his second record, Terry Reid, about five years ago at Freakbeat Records. I was familiar with his story, so my curiosity was peaked. I liked the record and played it for a month or so until an ill advised (I'm guessing) shopping spree relegated it to the music room. Shit gets lost there.....

Cut to 2008. I pick up the new Raconteurs' album on vinyl. I rip it to MP3 files (laborious process) and then file away the vinyl. As I'm listening to the burned disc "Rich Kid Blues" comes on. It sounds familiar and while it fits, doesn't really sound like the rest of the record (not to imply that White/Benson don't completely sell it). But I can't quite put my finger on how I know it. I finally pull out the liner notes and realize it's a Reid cover. (And thanks to the Raconteurs, was able to rediscover Reid.)

Terry Reid still tours from time to time. His voice is strong and distinct, and not too dissimilar from Plant's, and it's easy to see why the Raconteurs were attracted to this song. He's always been on the periphery of the music scene, never enjoying the success of Zeppelin. But if you see Terry Reid at the record store, it's well worth picking up. A well thought out CD compilation was also released a couple of years back. Reid also earned some decent publishing dollars off of Cheap Trick, who covered, "Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace" on their debut album.

Visit the Terry Reid fan created Myspace page (where you can actually listen to "Rich Kid Blues" if you can't wait for Sinking Radio).

I've got two pairs of tickets to give away for the Silver Jews show at the Echoplex on September 26th.

Formed in 1989 by University of Virginia college buddies David Berman, Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich, the Silver Jews have always been Berman's baby. Berman's a respected poet and his lyrics stand out amongst his indie rock peers. Far from pretentious or precious, Berman's writing conveys a wry sense of humor which is really on display on Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea. There are a ton of great lyrical snippets I could quote, but a favorite line (from an earlier album) is "Everybody's going down on themselves."

Berman's battled depression and substance abuse, so it was big news when he took the Joos on the road in 2006. He seems to be a lot better these days, but a Silver Jews tour is still an event.

Email me at dukeufo at hotmail with the name of your favorite Silver Jews song. Please put Silver Jews in the subject line. The contest closes next Wednesday at 5:00 PM.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I didn't give the Dr. Dog a glowing review, but it's still well worth picking up (especially if you're into soulful Lennon/McCartney inspired songs with nice Beach Boys-style harmonies). You might want to give local bands Bodies of Water and Low vs. Diamond a listen too.

Noteworthy Records Released on 7/22/08:Records I’ve Heard:

Arbouretum/Pontiak: Kale (Thrill Jockey) – On this release, Arbouretum sound like a more rocking (dirty 1970’s style) version of Will Oldham on this release. Pontiak is a new Thrill Jockey signee. The title of the record is a pun referring to the three John Cale covers. It’s an enjoyable listen. This is available digitally or as a limited edition (1,000 copies) split 12”.

Dr. Dog: Fate (Park the Van) – Given that We All Belong was #6 on my favorite albums of last year, this was one was eagerly anticipated. But expectations can be a motherfucker. The first half of Fate stacks up against their best work, but by the time track eight rolls around, I completely forget what I’m listening to. The fact that they made a song called “The Old Days” and it’s similar to “My Old Ways” might be a sign that they could have spent a little longer writing. Lyrically, it’s very dark. It’s still worth picking up, but you might want to temper your expectations a little. They’re a great live band, see for yourself at El Rey on 8/8/08.Download “The Old Days” and “The Ark”

High Places: 3/07 – 9/07 (Thrill Jockey) – Brooklyn duo that gets compared to Beat Happening and fits somewhere between No Age and Abe Vigoda. This is a collection of previously released songs available on CD for the first time. See them at the F Yeah Festival on 8/30/08 or at the Smell on 10/10/08.

Tuesday 7/22/08[Recommended] Ray Davies @ Grove of Anaheim ($35 - $55) – Really hard for me to get down to Anaheim on a weeknight, but I highly recommend it if you can….James McMurtry / Dedringers @ Troubadour ($20) – McMurtry’s a singer-songwriter out of Austin. His new record is political and dark. Check out “Cheney’s Toy” on his Myspace page. And yes, he’s Larry’s son (ever read All of My Friends are Going to Be Strangers? It’s pretty great).Peter Walker @ Echoplex ($12) – This is the Peter Walker known for being a highly influential raga and flamenco acoustic guitarist, not the one who started Dangerbird Records and now plays in Eulogies.Summer Darling / Chikita Violenta / Writer / Amateurs @ the Echo – Solid local lineup, plus Chikita Violenta out of Mexico City.Jay Brannan / Annie Stela @ El Rey ($16)Babyland / The Prids / Shiloe @ Spaceland ($8)Happy Stars / The Meadows @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Friday, July 18, 2008

I neglected to mention that Le Switch is playing Little Radio's Summer Camp this weekend. Joining them on the bill is Flying Tourbillon Orchestra and Bloodcat Love. Summer Camp takes place Sunday from Noon to 6:00 PM at 1218 Long Beach Avenue in Downtown LA. They're also doing an open mic. See the details here.

I've never been a Nas or a Hold Steady fan, so it's slim pickings this week....

Noteworthy Records Released on 7/15/08:

Local Interest:Daedelus: Love to Make Music To (Ninja Tune) – “Guests include Grammy Award-winning rapper Paperboy, producer Michael Johnson (The Lilys, Holopaw), Taz Arnold and Om’mas Keith (Sa-Ra), N’fa (1200 Techniques crew), and chanteuse Erika Rose.” See him at the Airliner on 8/6/08.

Something I missed last week:Billy Joel: The Stranger 30th Anniversary (Sony Legacy) – This one got played a lot in my cousins’ van when I was growing up and it remains Joel’s best selling studio album. “Just the Way You Are” (Record of the Year at the Grammys), “Only the Good Die Young” and “Always a Woman” were the big hits. According to Wikipedia, in 2003, it was ranked #67 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The two disc version of this reissued contains a live concert from 1977. The three disc version adds a DVD with a performance on the Old Grey Whistle Test and a 30 minute documentary on the making of the album.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Here’s my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd on Little Radio. The show airs Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM PST. Their guests tomorrow will be The Weather Underground. Those guys just got back from a big tour, including a set at Bonnaroo (the Village Voice labeled them “a band to watch”), so they should have some good tales to tell.

Each week on the show, there’s a featured You Set the Scene pick. Tomorrow my pick will be “Big Sky” by the Kinks. Longtime readers probably know that Ray Davies is my favorite lyricist of all time. Their albums from 1966 – 1971 rank right up there with the Beatles for me (blasphemous). There are a few candidates for my favorite song. “You Really Got Me” is still probably my favorite early rock ‘n’ roll song. “Waterloo Sunset” always makes me happy. “Shangri-La” blows me away every time I hear it.

So what makes “Big Sky” my favorite Kinks’ track? It won’t show up on any greatest hits collection by the Kinks. It’s track six on Village Green Preservation Society, which is hardly their best seller (although it is my favorite). It’s a song that works best given the context of the songs that surround it. But those lyrics. They’re simple on the surface, but go as deep as you want to take them.

Like most of the record, the song addresses frustration with modern society. It’s sung from the perspective of a stoic who gets overwhelmed. But he “think(s) of the big sky, and nothing matters much to me.” You can’t really be certain what Davies was thinking or trying to say when he wrote it. Many would say that he’s channeling Nietzsche (in his Ray way) and saying God is dead. Does he give a shit?

The guitar parts are pretty fantastic too.

Matthew Sweet and Yo La Tengo have both done pretty good covers of it too.

It hardly seems possible, but today's the last day you'll read one of Kevin Bronson's Buzz Bands columns in the LA Times. After almost six years at the paper, he was laid off this week as part of that massive restructuring. Bronson's a fixture on the local music scene; I probably see him 75% of the time I'm out seeing local bands. He has a vast knowledge of the scene's history and knows everybody. Not to rip on the paper, but his column was the reason I'd pick up the Times on Thursdays.

I can't wait to see what he does next.....

P.S. Buy the guy a drink the next time you see him out. It's no longer against Times policy for him to accept freebies....

Read his last column (on Kenan Bell) here (what's up with his byline missing?). I would recommend you leave a comment, but that doesn't look possible.

Listen to Bronson's show on Little Radio Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

I've still got a couple of pairs of tickets to give away for the Devon Williams show this Saturday at the Echo. Opening the show is Residual Echoes, Silver Daggers and The Mona Reels. Williams is a local pop artist who, outside of the Smell scene, doesn't really get the attention he deserves. His band recently opened the West Coast dates for Destroyer, he's played in Lavender Diamond, and his old high school band was signed to Epitaph. Randy from No Age called his 7" one of best of 2007 on Pitchfork. Go to Myspace and check him out....

To win these tickets email me [dukeufo at hotmail] and tell me you want them. The deadline for the contest is noon Friday.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

As frequently happens around here, I'm way behind. Here's what came out last Tuesday....

Released on 7/8/08

Records I’ve Heard:Albert Hammond Jr.: Como Te Llama? (Black Seal) – The rhythm guitarist for the Strokes releases his second solo album and still no new Strokes record (although people tell me they’ve been working on it). I was a fan of Hammond’s debut, Yours to Keep, so I was excited when this showed up in the mail. The charming thing about that record was that it didn’t try to be anything but pleasant sunshine pop. This one’s got some of that, but Hammond must have been bored with the idea of making Yours to Keep 2. There are Police-lite experiments (“Borrowed Time”), painfully long instrumental tracks (“Spooky Couch”) and cheesy drum machines (“Lisa”). There’s also interesting guitar playing and some genuinely good songs (“GFC” and “Bargain of a Century”). Overall, it probably would have been a great EP, but he could have used some more time to flesh out the songs on the second half of the record.

Hamell on Trial: Rant and Roll (Righteous Babe) – This is a CD/DVD combo with Ed Hamell’s rant/songs/poetry. It’s not really my sort of thing. Download “When You Are Young”

Ratatat: LP3 (XL Recordings) – I honestly don’t have much perspective to review this record. I’m a lyric guy and tend to get bored with instrumental music. It’s got a 71 on Metacritic though. At the Fonda on 9/9/08 and 9/10/08. Download “Mirando”

Local Interest:Abe Vigoda: Skeleton (PPM Records) – Abe Vigoda’s the latest Smell band to get a lot of positive national press. They’re purveyors of “tropical punk.” I haven’t heard the record yet… PPM is Dean from No Age’s label. See them at the Fonda on 8/8/08.

Beck: Modern Guilt (Interscope) – I used to really look forward to new Beck albums, but I haven’t heard this (or his last one). Danger Mouse produced it and it’s getting pretty good reviews. See him at the Hollywood Bowl on 9/20/08.

Monday, July 14, 2008

I was out of town Thursday through Sunday, so it's good to see an active concert calendar this week. Any week you can see Earlimart, Darker My Love, 400 Blows, The Henry Clay People, The Movies, Jason Falkner, Sharon Jones, Jesus & Mary Chain and Gang of Four in one week is a pretty good week.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

I don't think I'm going to have access to a computer tomorrow, so here's a reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd on Little Radio this Friday. Sylvia will be absent, but Todd and Matt welcome Earlimart into the studio. The show airs Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM PST.

Speaking of Earlimart, I've got two pairs of tickets to give away for their show next Friday (July 18th) at Spaceland. Opening the show will be the Movies and Hocus Pocus (featuring members of Dios). To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite Earlimart track. The contest closes next Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

I'm giving away a limited edition test pressing (vinyl) copy of Shearwater's new record Rook. This is a collector's item that fans need to get their hands on. To win, just email me [dukeufo at hotmail] and name your favorite Shearwater song. Please put Shearwater in the subject line of your email. The deadline to enter is Tuesday at 5:00 PM.

Shearwater will be in town next week.July 14th at the Forum (opening for Coldplay)July 15th at the Forum (opening for Coldplay)July 16 at Fingerprints record store in Long Beach @ 7:00 PM

There are rumors that they'll be back in town in August. Stay tuned for details.

I've got three pairs of tickets to give away for the King Khan and the Shrines show this Thursday night at the Echo. It promises to be a good time. The Jacuzzi Boys will open the show. Just send me an email [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite garage rock band. Please put King Khan in the subject line. Scroll down to Monday's post for a free download.

Starting tomorrow, there’s a ton of events around LA to correspond with VH-1 honoring the Who. It’s hard to imagine anyone reading this that isn’t at least a little familiar with the Who, but if you’re not, pick up Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy right away. It’s a great introduction.

The premiere of VH-1 Rock Honors the Who will air on Thursday July 17th at 9:00 PM.

Friday:10am – 6pm: Shop @ Intermix and buy a limited-edition VH1 Rock Honors Torn shirt, designed by Scarlett Johansson, sold exclusively by Intermix3pm – 7pm: The Who Are You Happy Hour @ Pink Taco. Specialty drinks inspired by The Who All night: Screenings of The Who movies @ Ye Coach & Horses